Redbirds, known as Northern Cardinals, are common in Kansas. These beautiful birds are brightly colored with a red body, black face mask, and a crest of feathers atop their heads. They are a delight to watch as they flit around yards and gardens for food.
Redbirds are a beautiful addition to the landscape and provide a valuable service by eating insects that could otherwise damage plants. Kansas is a great place to observe these birds, as they are found throughout the state in rural and urban areas.
25 Red Birds in Kansas
In the heartland of the United States lies the sprawling expanse of Kansas, a state known for its vast plains, prairies, and diverse ecosystems.
Amidst this landscape of wheat fields and rolling hills exists a fascinating phenomenon that has captured the curiosity of bird enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Here are 25 Red Birds in Kansas.
1. Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is a common bird in many parts of North America. It is easily recognizable by its bright red plumage. It is known by several names, including redbird, common cardinal, red cardinal, and just cardinal.
It is part of the genus Cardinalis, which includes other species of cardinals. The northern cardinal is a medium-sized bird with a crest on its head, a black face, and a stout bill.
Males have bright red plumage, while females have a grayish-brown body and reddish wings and tail. Both sexes have a black mask around their eyes. The northern cardinal is one of the most popular birds in North America due to its beautiful color and vocalizations.
It is a very social bird often seen in small groups. Its diet consists mainly of seeds, insects, and fruit. It is a year-round resident in many parts of the continent and is commonly seen at backyard bird feeders.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Cardinalis |
| Species | C. cardinalis |
2. House Finch
The house finch is a type of bird belonging to the Fringillidae family, comprising various kinds of finches. It is native to western North America and has since been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii.
This species and the two other American rosefinches are all grouped under the genus Haemorhous. These birds have a unique appearance: bright red forehead and chestnut-colored body.
They can be found in various habitats, such as deserts, grasslands, and woodlands. They feed on different foods, including seeds, insects, and fruits. House finches are social birds, often seen in flocks and known for their cheerful chirping.
They are also popular as cage birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
3. Scarlet Tanager
The scarlet tanager is a medium-sized American songbird formerly classified as a member of the tanager family. This species and others in its genus are now considered to be members of the cardinal family.
This change in classification has only recently occurred and is evidence of the ever-evolving nature of ornithology. The scarlet tanager is a colorful bird, with males displaying a bright scarlet red coloration and females a yellow-green hue.
They inhabit various habitats, from open woodlands to suburban areas, but are rarely seen in dense forests. They are known for their melodic and complex song, which they use to attract mates and defend their territories.
The species is widespread throughout North America, with a breeding range that extends from Canada to Central America. They are migratory birds, spending the winter months in Central and South America.
The diet of this species consists mainly of insects, although they will also occasionally take small fruits. The scarlet tanager is an essential species for conserving North American bird populations.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists it as a species of most minor concern. Still, its population is declining in some areas due to habitat loss and degradation.
To ensure the continued survival of this species, their habitat must be protected and maintained.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. olivacea |
4. Red-Headed Woodpecker
The red-headed woodpecker is a type of bird found in temperate North America. It is a mid-sized woodpecker with reddish-brown or black feathers on its head and a white body. Its wings are typically black with white patches.
The red-headed woodpecker is commonly found in open fields, parks, and woodlands. Its breeding habitat ranges from southern Canada to the east-central United States.
The red-headed woodpecker is an omnivore, feeding on plants and animals.
It feeds on various insects, nuts, berries, and fruits. It also feeds on small reptiles, birds, and eggs. It prefers eating insects found on trees, ants, and beetles.
The red-headed woodpecker will use its long, strong beak to peck into tree bark to find food. The red-headed woodpecker is an integral part of the North American ecosystem.
It helps to keep insect populations under control, which helps to protect the natural balance of the environment. It is also an essential food source for larger birds, such as hawks and owls.
In addition to its ecological importance, the red-headed woodpecker is a beautiful bird. Its bright red head and white body make it stand out. Its call is also distinct and unmistakable, making it easy to identify.
The red-headed woodpecker is an essential part of the North American landscape.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. erythrocephalus |
5. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird of the Turdidae family, which includes the valid thrush genus. Due to its reddish-orange breast color, it takes its name from its European counterpart, the European robin.
The two species are not closely related, though, as the European robin belongs to a different family – the Old World flycatcher family. This is a large family of birds that includes several species found in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
The American robin is a widespread bird in North America, often seen in residential gardens and backyard bird feeders. It has a distinct song, which can be heard early mornings and evenings.
The American robin has many habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Its diet consists mainly of insects and berries, and it is often seen eating worms and other small invertebrates.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
6. Summer Tanager
The summer tanager is a medium-sized American songbird previously placed in the tanager family. It has now been reassigned to the cardinal family due to its physical features and vocalizations, which are similar to other cardinal family members.
The summer tanager has a unique plumage that mixes yellow, orange, and red. Its song is a melodic warble, often heard during the summer months. It dwells in woodlands and forests and feeds mainly on insects, fruits, and berries.
Its diet includes nectar and small vertebrates, such as lizards and frogs. The summer tanager is an integral part of the ecosystem, providing a valuable food source for other birds and natural insect control.
It is also a famous bird to watch due to its vibrant colors and melodic songs.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. rubra |
7. Red Crossbill
The red crossbill, or the common crossbill, is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It is a unique species due to its physical characteristics. The most distinctive feature of the crossbill is its bill.
The bill is crossed at the tips, allowing the bird to extract seeds from conifer cones and other fruits. This bill shape enables the crossbill to feed on conifer cone seeds, which are otherwise difficult for different birds to eat.
The crossbill’s bill is also adapted to help it open and hold onto conifer cones, allowing it to feed on its preferred food source. The red crossbill is most commonly found in the northern hemisphere and lives in coniferous or mixed woodlands.
It can also be found in open woodland and grassland habitats but is most comfortable in coniferous forests. The crossbill is a nomadic species, meaning it is constantly on the move in search of food.
The bird typically visits a particular area for some time and then moves to a new location. The red crossbill is an essential species in its natural habitat. It helps to disperse seeds of conifer trees, which in turn promotes the regeneration of these trees.
The bird is also beneficial in other ways, as it helps to keep insect populations in check. The crossbill is also an important indicator species, as its presence can signal the health of its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Loxia |
| Species | L. curvirostra |
8. Hepatic Tanager
The hepatic tanager is a medium-sized American songbird previously classified in the tanager family. It is now part of the cardinal family, a family of passerine birds, which includes other members of its genus, Piranga.
The hepatic tanager shares many characteristics with other cardinal family birds, such as plumage and vocalizations. The plumage of the hepatic tanager is colorful and distinctive, with a bright red head and a bright yellow abdomen.
Its vocalizations are also similar to other members of the cardinal family, consisting of chirps, whistles, and trills. The hepatic tanager is a unique bird adapted to its environment to survive and flourish.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. flava |
9. Common Redpoll
The common redpoll, also known as the mealy redpoll, is a bird species in the finch family. It is a small bird, typically around 11 cm long, characterized by its reddish-brown plumage with a white rump.
The species is widely distributed across the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere, breeding in parts of Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Scandinavia, and Russia.
The common redpoll is distinct from the Arctic redpoll, which generally breeds further north than its standard counterpart.
Despite their similar plumage, the two species are genetically distinct, with the common redpoll breeding south of the Arctic redpoll. The common redpoll is typically found in habitats with thickets or shrubs, such as moorland, heaths, bogs, and tundra.
It prefers to feed on tiny seeds, such as those of dandelions, thistles, and birch trees, but will also take insects. The species is known to form large flocks outside of the breeding season and typically remains in its breeding grounds throughout the winter.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Acanthis |
| Species | A. flammea |
10. Two-Barred Crossbill
The two-barred crossbill is a species of bird belonging to the Fringillidae family, a large family of small passerine birds. The two-barred crossbill is found in both North America and the Palearctic region.
It is a small bird with a distinctive two-barred pattern on its wings. The two-barred crossbill is typically found in coniferous forests due to the abundance of food sources, such as pine seeds, which they feed on.
The two-barred crossbill is a vocal bird with loud calls and songs to communicate and establish territory. It is a relatively common species, with populations remaining stable or increasing in many areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Loxia |
| Species | L. leucoptera |
11. Painted Bunting
The painted bunting is a species of bird that is part of the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. It is native to North America and is known for its brightly colored plumage, especially in males. The male’s colorful plumage only appears in the second year of their life.
In the first year, the only way to distinguish them from the females is through close inspection. The male-painted bunting combines bright red, blue, and green feathers, making it one of the most vibrant birds in North America.
The female-painted bunting has much more muted colors, usually a combination of brown and yellow. The painted bunting is an omnivore, eating insects, seeds, grains, and fruit. It is a famous bird for birdwatchers to observe due to its bright colors and unique features.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. ciris |
12. Pyrrhuloxia
Pyrrhuloxia, also known as the desert cardinal, is a unique species of songbird found in parts of North America. It is most often seen in the American Southwest and northern Mexico. It is a medium-sized bird with a short, stout bill, red crest, and wings.
This species is closely related to the northern cardinal and the vermilion cardinal, all of the same genus. This species is easily distinguished from its relatives by its distinctive features, such as its red crest and wings.
Its plumage is also much paler than its relatives, giving it a distinct appearance. The Pyrrhuloxia is a shy and secretive bird that is not often seen in the wild.
However, it can be observed in parts of the American Southwest, particularly in open, dry shrublands and grasslands. This species is an integral part of the local ecosystem, and conservation efforts are underway to ensure its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Cardinalis |
| Species | C. sinuatus |
13. Cassin’s Finch
Cassin’s finch is a species of bird belonging to the Fringillidae family, a group of passerine birds that includes finches and other species.
This species is part of the “American rosefinches” group, a group of finches placed in the genus Haemorhous. This genus is a member of the Fringillidae family and comprises several species of finches.
Cassin’s finch is a medium-sized bird with a grayish-brown body and a black head. Its wings and tail are darker in color, while its breast and belly are lighter. Its beak is short, thick, and conical, and its legs are yellowish.
The male Cassin’s Finch has a bright red forehead and cheeks, while the female has a duller red coloration.
The Cassin’s Finch is found in the western United States and Mexico, where it usually inhabits open coniferous forests, riparian woodlands, and sometimes even suburban areas.
This species is considered to be of least concern, as its population is stable and its habitat is not threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. cassinii |
14. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a unique and special species that has adapted to its environment to survive.
This hummingbird typically spends winter in Central America, Mexico, and Florida, as these regions provide ideal temperatures for this species to thrive.
However, when summer arrives, the ruby-throated hummingbird migrates north to Canada and other parts of Eastern North America. The purpose of this migration is for the hummingbirds to breed, as this is the ideal environment for them.
The rich and diverse food sources available in these areas and the warm temperatures provide the perfect environment for the hummingbirds to reproduce.
Furthermore, the ruby-throated hummingbirds often make the return journey in the fall, allowing them to take advantage of the mild winter temperatures in Central America, Mexico, and Florida.
Through this migration cycle, the ruby-throated hummingbird can survive and thrive in its environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. colubris |
15. Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker, also known as the Common Flicker, is a type of woodpecker found across North America, Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
This species is considered medium-sized, with the males having a length of approximately 28 cm and the females slightly smaller. The Northern Flicker has a distinct plumage: a reddish-brown back, a black bib, and a white rump.
Its wings and tail are barred with blackish and buff stripes. The Northern Flicker is an omnivorous species, meaning it feeds on plants and animals. Its diet consists mainly of insects, such as ants, beetles, and caterpillars, as well as fruits and nuts.
It also eats small amounts of seeds, berries, and grains. The Northern Flicker is known for its characteristic call, a loud and sharp ‘wick-a-doo’ sound. The Northern Flicker is one of only a few species of woodpecker that migrate, typically moving south for the winter.
During the summer, they can be found in most of North America, though they are more common in the northern part of the continent. In the winter, they move to parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
The Northern Flicker is an essential species for the ecosystem, as it helps to control insect populations and disperse seeds from the fruits and nuts they eat. As a result, they are a vital part of the food web.
The species is currently considered to be of least concern. However, they are still threatened by habitat loss due to human activity.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
16. Red-shouldered Hawk
The red-shouldered hawk is a medium-sized member of the buteo family, and its breeding range stretches from eastern North America to the coast of California and from northern to northeastern-central Mexico.
This species is a permanent resident in most of its range. However, specific populations that reside in more northern climates will migrate, primarily to central Mexico.
This species is highly adaptable and can be found in both woodland and wetland habitats, and they will often nest in trees near open meadows and fields. They will feed on various small mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and occasionally on carrion.
The red-shouldered hawk is an integral part of the local ecosystem, helping to keep specific pest populations in check.
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. lineatus |
17. Barn Swallow
The barn swallow is a species of swallow that is found all over the world. It has the most incredible natural range of any passerine, covering an impressive 251 million square kilometers. This makes it the most widespread passerine species on the planet.
The barn swallow has a distinctive look, with its blue upperparts and long, forked tail. This tail is believed to give the bird more excellent maneuverability in the air, making it an agile flier.
The swallow’s forked tail also helps it glide and stay aloft for long periods, an adaptation that suits its migratory lifestyle well.
Barn swallows can often be seen flying in groups as they migrate to warmer climates in the winter and back to their breeding grounds in the spring. They are often seen skimming low over the ground or near water, searching for insects.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Hirundo |
| Species | H. rustica |
18. Red-bellied woodpecker
The red-bellied woodpecker is a distinctive bird in the eastern United States. It is a member of the Picidae family, or woodpeckers, and is considered to be of medium size compared to other members of the same family.
This woodpecker species can be seen breeding in a wide range of places, from the subtropical regions of Florida to the northern reaches of Canada. The red-bellied woodpecker is known to feed on insects, larvae, fruits, and nuts in its natural habitat.
Its distinctive red-tinged feathers are a hallmark of its appearance, while its loud call is a familiar sound in many parts of the eastern United States.
The red-bellied woodpecker is an integral part of the ecosystem in its native range, providing a valuable food source for other species and helping control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. carolinus |
19. Red-Winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is a type of bird that belongs to the family Icteridae. It is found in a large portion of North America and Central America.
It is a passerine, meaning it is a perching bird with an upright stance and three toes pointing forward and one toe pointing backward. This type of bird is relatively small, with males having bright red and yellow patches on their wings and shoulder area.
Females are duller in color, generally having brown wings and back. These birds are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They feed mainly on insects, seeds, grains, and berries. They also forage for food in shallow water.
Red-winged blackbirds are active during the day and are often seen in large flocks. They are known for their loud, melodic songs frequently heard during spring and summer.
These birds are common in their range and benefit farmers and gardeners because they eat many destructive bugs and weeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
20. Pileated Woodpecker
The pileated woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that is native to North America. It is a large bird, predominantly black, known for its loud call and striking red crest.
As an insectivore, it feeds mainly on wood-boring insects. It can be found in various forest habitats across eastern North America, the Great Lakes region, Canada’s boreal forests, and parts of the Pacific Coast.
It prefers mature deciduous forests, such as those in the northern United States and Canada, but can also be found in riparian and mixed-wood forests.
The pileated woodpecker plays an essential role in its native habitats, as it helps to create nesting cavities in dead trees and dead limbs that can be used by other species of birds, mammals, and even other woodpeckers.
It also helps to maintain a healthy forest ecosystem by feeding on wood-boring insects, which can cause damage to trees if their populations become too large.
In addition, the woodpecker’s distinctive call serves as a source of entertainment and a way to locate other members of its species. Overall, the pileated woodpecker is an essential species for North American forests and has a long history of being appreciated by people.
Its loud call, striking red crest, and role in maintaining healthy forests make it a species worth protecting and preserving.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryocopus |
| Species | D. pileatus |
21. Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is a species of woodpecker native to North America and the smallest. It measures between 14 and 18 cm in length.
This woodpecker species is found across the United States and Canada, except the desert regions in the southwest and the northern tundra. They prefer to live in forested areas and can be spotted in woodlands, parks, and backyards.
This species feeds on insects, fruit, and nuts and can often be heard tapping tree trunks for food. Downy woodpeckers can also be seen perched on tree branches, taking short flights from tree to tree.
They are also known for their distinctive black-and-white coloring, with red patches on their heads. Overall, the Downy Woodpecker is an exciting and hardworking bird and is an integral part of the North American ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. pubescens |
22. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species native to North America, specifically the western coastal regions. It was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, who was alive during the early 20th century.
Anna’s hummingbirds were only found in northern Baja California and Southern California during this time. This hummingbird species is small and has vibrant green and pink plumage. They feed on nectar from flowers and also consume small insects and spiders.
The males of this species are very territorial and will aggressively defend their territory against other hummingbirds. They also use their long beaks to make a loud chirping sound to attract potential mates.
Anna’s hummingbirds can also hover in mid-air and move from flower to flower with incredible speed and agility. These birds are an essential part of the North American ecosystem as they play a role in pollinating plants and providing food for other species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
23. Eastern Towhee
The eastern towhee is a large species of sparrow native to North America. It has been the subject of debate among scientists in recent years regarding its taxonomy.
At one point, the eastern towhee and the spotted towhee were thought to be the same species, known as the rufous-sided towhee. The eastern towhee is typically found in brushy areas throughout the eastern United States, where it breeds and nests.
Its natural habitat includes areas with thick underbrush, such as woodlands, fields, and pastures. By taking advantage of these areas, the eastern town can stay safe from predators while still having access to the resources it needs to survive.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Pipilo |
| Species | P. erythrophthalmus |
24. Red-Naped Sapsucker
The red-naped sapsucker is a unique species of woodpecker native to North America. It is a medium-sized bird featuring a distinctive red patch on its neck.
For a long time, the red-naped sapsucker was thought to be a subspecies of the yellow-bellied sapsucker, a closely related species. However, recent studies have shown that the red-naped sapsucker is a distinct species in its own right.
In other words, it is not merely a subspecies of the yellow-bellied sapsucker but a separate species. The red-naped sapsucker is a relatively rare bird listed as vulnerable in some areas.
It is essential to protect these birds and their habitats so that future generations can experience the beauty of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Sphyrapicus |
| Species | S. nuchalis |
25. Cinnamon Teal
The cinnamon teal is a duck species native to western parts of North and South America. It is a small duck, typically measuring between 13 and 15 inches long.
Male cinnamon teals are known for their bright reddish plumage; the female cinnamon teal is usually duller and brown. This duck species is often found in marshy areas and ponds and is a dabbling duck, meaning it feeds from the water’s surface.
The primary diet of the cinnamon teal consists of plants and aquatic vegetation, but they are also known to feed on insects. The cinnamon teal is an essential waterfowl species popular among birdwatchers, hunters, and conservationists.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. cyanoptera |
Conclusion
Redbirds can be found throughout Kansas. While red birds may not be as common as others, they are still beautiful. These birds are essential to the ecosystem in Kansas and contribute to a healthy and diverse population of birds.
For those wanting to see a red bird, watch for the Northern Cardinal, the Red-Winged Blackbird, or the Scarlet Tanager. With a little bit of luck, you may be able to spot one of these beautiful birds in Kansas.